ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

ABOUT THE ALBUM…

Carnage proudly presents salivating fans with his long-awaited official solo debut, “Sense Of Sound”. Accompanied by producer Booka B, Carnage embarks on a mission to engrain the messages that he is not just another average local battle rapper. When asked to define his "style" on this album and in general, Carnage is often quoted rattling off the description, "Immorally hand-woven catastrophe tapestry orally attached to beats". How Fitting! Carnage seems to effortlessly, yet aggressively pull you into his world with complex, multi-syllabic rhythms of edgy, personal and controversial content. Top notch wordplay and vocal accuracy at sometimes jaw-grinding speeds keep you on the edge, wondering what Carnage is going to spit out next.

Carnage NEVER bites his tongue and sometimes says what other MC’s may be afraid to even think of! Carnage informs listeners of what is on his mind and what most often puts him on the edge of combustion. He gives his thoughts on the purpose of life and politics, as well as warning those who have negative intent to watch their steps!

Released independently by Carnage on his own Hecatomb Industries label, “Sense Of Sound” was listed as number 9 in the top 10 best selling CD's in MN in Fifth Element and the number 3 best seller in Electric Fetus! “Sense Of Sound” is what listeners expected from Carnage…And much more! So if you havent already, get yourself a copy of "Sense Of Sound" and see what people are talking about!

ABOUT THE ARTIST…

ABOUT CARNAGE: Terrell Woods A.K.A. Carnage “The Executioner” is a Hip-Hop artist widely recognized for his mind-numbing lyrical dexterity and uncanny ability to compose musical symphonies with his mouth through human beat boxing. His unwavering work ethic, warm personality and kind heart have earned him the respect of many of Independent and commercial music’s most reputable artists. Carnage’s mouth has been called “The best drummer in town”, in reference to his beat boxing skills. He teaches both private and group beat boxing lessons to youth in community and school settings, extensively covering the fundamentals of beat boxing while adding in components of basic rhyme/rap-writing structure. Carnage is a catalyst in the development of creative and positive modes of self-expression that strengthen strong leadership skills.

Carnage recalls his first experience with the Hip-Hop culture occurring around 1982 with Run DMC and The Sugar Hill Gang. Run DMC moved him most. He started human beat boxing after hearing The Fat Boys around age 9 and taught himself how break dance after witnessing the moves of his older male neighbors. After watching the movie “Breaking 2″ and hearing Herbie Hancock’s “Rock It”, Carnage wanted to be a DJ. Due to his living in group homes and shelters for many years after age 12, he had no turntable experience, so he began writing lyrics after studying the works of rappers he idolized, mainly L.L. Cool J, Public Enemy, Kool G. Rap, Eric. B. & Rakim, KRS-ONE and Superlover Cee.

Carnage wrote his first rhyme in 1987 under the name “T-Swift”, which began his quest to become an emcee. Following his first time recording in a studio in 1991 with counterpart DJ X-Caliber and performing a few local shows, he made his first appearance on a release in 1996. This was Minnesota’s first full-length compilation called “The Collective”. Carnage, along with his former group, The S.W.E.E.P.S. released, “Bootleg Tracks From Junkion” EP in 2001 and “Foreign Genetics” full-length in 2003. The greater Hip-Hop world heard Carnage on Eyedea’s “The Many Faces Of Oliver Hart Or How I One The Write To Think” album (Rhymesayers Entertainment) on the track, “Coaches” in 2002. Carnage independently funded and oversaw the release of his first solo, unofficial album called, “The Carnology Vol. 0.5 EP” on his own label, Hecatomb Industries, which he started in 2004. This also marked the birth of Carnage’s Hecatomb crew comprised of up-and-coming local Hip Hop & Rock artists. Eyedea & DJ Abilities invited Carnage to join them on their opus, “E&A” where Carnage appeared the track, “Star Destroyer” in 2004. Carnage (accompanied by Booka B) released his first full-length solo debut titled, “Sense Of Sound” independently on Hecatomb Industries on July 17 2007.

Carnage, with the help of another independent Hip-Hop label called Fill In The Breaks, released Worth The Wait” on January 11, 2011. Receiving vast amounts of local praise for it’s darker, raw sound, the album was listed as one of ‘The Best Albums Of 2011’ in the Star Tribune. This article said that Carnage is “…busy proving why he should be called the most skillful M.C. in MN”.

Without missing a beat, Carnage released “Respect The Name” on September 11, 2012. This release lives up to what Carnage is known for, as well as highlighting some of his most personal work to date. Carnage speaks of his life struggles ranging from living in poverty and having very little positive parental influences to his insecurities with making music he thinks people will not support. His artistic growth is notable and only shows his progression into a potent storyteller. Carnage’s work on Respect The Name earned him the revered cover of the well-respected City Pages and a ranking as one of the top 10 M.C.’s in Minnesota.Ill Chemistry released their highly-anticipated, self-titled debut album in January 2012 on French Jazz music label, Nato/Hopestreet Records. The album features both Carnage and Desdamona sharing vocalist duties and Carnage constructing almost all music for the songs by beat boxing. With Ill Chemistry as well as solo, Carnage has been playing festivals and touring Europe on a steady basis since December 2011.Persistence in staying relevant and reinventing his formula lead to Carnage being invited to join Atmosphere for their Fall 2012 tour. For two weeks straight, Carnage won the hearts of nearly 20,000 fans with raw talent, emotion and honesty. His adeptness in figuring out how to give crowds what they want and holding their attention lead to Carnage becoming a crowd-favorite. Carnage’s connection with Atmosphere’s fanbase lead to his invite on their 3rd annual Welcome To Minnesota tour in March 2013.

While working full-time as a social worker and youth counselor in 2004, Carnage still found the time to tour with Eyedea & Abilities – twice! He guest-appeared on the Leave Of Absence Tour in October & November of 2004 and in April of 2004 on the Plague On Wheels Tour. In July and August of 2005, Carnage toured the Midwest with Eyedea and emcees Mazta I & Kristoff Krane, along with J.T. Bates playing drums and Casey O’Brien playing bass for the Eyedea & Friends Tour. He and the crew performed improvised Jazz/Hip Hop sets for an unbelievable 2 hours a night! This tour resulted in Carnage being featured on Eyedea’s all-improvised 2006 release, Face Candy, “This Is Where We Were” (Rhymesayers). This album features Carnage freestyling and human beat boxing, displaying him at equal levels of skill performing both duties. Carnage is also the only feature on the last Face Candy project to be release in early 2011 called “Waist Age Teen Land”.

I have known Carnage for years and this CD has been years in the making. It is a culmination of thoughts and fiercely delivered rhymes and patterns sure to leave your head spinning and aching for another listen. You can't catch it all the first time. Carnage has style, structure and the presence that today's hip hop artists are lacking. If you get the chance to catch a LIVE show I guarantee you will not be disappointed. This CD carries the same energy as his LIVE performances. "Get Down With Us" & "Creative Freedom" are my 2 favorites. "Get Down.." is just straight up FUNK for your ears and "Creative Freedom" is reminiscent of the glory days of hip hop. Carnage proves that he possesses all the qualities of a great emcee and I just can't wait to hear what he comes up with next!